Early Bird Special
Even though I’m only 29-years-old, I act more and more like an old lady every day. As you know, I stay in on Saturday nights and go to bed super early during the work week, and now I’m eating dinner at 5:00 pm. Hello, early bird special!
I only snacked on a container of plain Chobani with Raisin Bran while at NuVal, so when I got home from work, I was absolutely famished.
But, before I could make myself an afternoon snack, I needed to walk Murphy and jump on a conference call, so I munched on two handfuls of Dee Dee’s Gourmet Cheese Straws to tie me over.
I’m so glad that the company sent me these Cheese Straws to sample– they’re SO delicious!
The flavor reminds me a lot of Cheez-It crackers, but the texture is almost like a butter cookie– slightly crunchy, but sort of melts in your mouth. They’re so addicting! I had trouble putting away the tin!
Instead of continuing to snack, I finally threw together some dinner for myself. Mal has parent-teacher conferences at school tonight, so I was on my own for dinner.
I made myself a big bowl of steamed spinach and broccoli, and topped it with leftover meat sauce and Parmesan.
The meal was surprisingly filling!
I ate dinner while watching Ellen on my DVR. 
I’m fairly positive that dessert will be a few Chocolate-Almond Butter Cookies that I baked yesterday. Man, are they delicious! 
Grand Opening
Remember when I went to New York City last month and met the folks from Open Sky? Well, my Open Sky store is finally open for business!
So, what is Open Sky all about you ask?
The company is “expert-powered e-commerce, connecting consumers to experts and the products they love and use.” In my store, you’ll find my favorite products, like the Garmin Forerunner 305 and The Griddler as well as some new products, like Thomas Paul Sea Life Side Plates and a set of funky Salt and Pepper Shakers that are just plain cool. You can visit my store to learn more about an item and purchase it, if you choose to do so. Open Sky is all about customer service and everything is guaranteed.
For me, my Open Sky store isn’t about making money– although I do get a commission on items sold– it’s more about sharing information about stuff I love and making it easy to access, all in one place.
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I hope to be adding lots of new products as they become available, so be sure to check back from time to time. I hope you stop in to check out my shop!
Oldies, but Goodies
You guys seem to like my blast from the past blog posts, so here are a few more that involve celebrities!
- Hearing Al Gore speak in Harvard Yard
- “Meeting” Augusten Burroughs at his book signing
- Seeing Renee Zellweger and James Franco outside my window
- Bumping into Demetri Martin in Harvard Square
- Having cocktails and apps with Kathy Kaehler at City Bar
Tags: Dee Dee's Gourmet Cheese Straws, Open Sky, Thomas Paul
Nicole — November 23, 2009 @ 7:11 pm
Those cheese straws look soooo good and sound even better! Congrats on your Open Sky store.
Runeatrepeat — November 23, 2009 @ 7:12 pm
Open Sky sounds like fun – I’m gonna have to check your faves
Maria — November 23, 2009 @ 7:24 pm
How fun. Great picks for your store.
Scorpio Woman — November 23, 2009 @ 7:24 pm
Your photos are not yellow now
Except for the cheese straws LOL I’m going to check your favorites. It’s the same site you put on Twitter earlier today?
Tina — November 23, 2009 @ 7:26 pm
@Scorpio Woman: I used my point and shoot for these pics. If you notice, they’re not as sharp.
Kate — November 23, 2009 @ 7:29 pm
YUM! That dinner looks so healthy, filling, yet so goooood! Will be trying it soon. That’s hilarious re Renee and James Franco outside your harvard window. I had similar ish experience “running into” celebrities on my trip to the states a few years ago, seeing Arnold the Governator and Seal and Heidi Klum. Celeb spotting is fun! Hehe.
sirenjess — November 23, 2009 @ 7:30 pm
You’re not old. I’m 29 too and have been known to eat at 5 because I’m really hungry.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is — November 23, 2009 @ 7:32 pm
I am an old lady too! Stay in, go to bed at 8 …
Lauren @ eater not a runner — November 23, 2009 @ 7:37 pm
Dinner looks delicious….and I loooove Ellen.
I will definitely check out your open sky store!
Food Makes Fun Fuel — November 23, 2009 @ 7:37 pm
gourmet cheese straws? Awesomeness. i don’t know that I’ve had regular. Oh and I feel old, too, being a college student who enjoys shut eye at 11
Light Delight with TouTou — November 23, 2009 @ 7:41 pm
Dee Dee’s Gourmet Cheese Straws looks very interesting
to a cheese person 
Sam (Merit to the Carrot) — November 23, 2009 @ 7:46 pm
I’m only 16 and I feel 60! I have so many old lady tendencies….
candice — November 23, 2009 @ 7:58 pm
Ahaha, it’s ok to be an old lady! I think we ALL need old lady days sometimes to revitalize our bodies. And whoa those cheese straws look cheesy and crunchy and delicious! I want to eat my screen
Cynthia (It All Changes) — November 23, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
I must be an old lady too then. Dinner has to be between 5 and 6.30 at the latest. I’ve taught my body to expect food then so when it is later I’m famished and usually reach for the snacks. That’s why I love my crockpot…if I’m not going to have time to cook it does all the work.
Lizzy — November 23, 2009 @ 8:01 pm
i used to always tivo Ellen. i love her
Jenna — November 23, 2009 @ 8:03 pm
looks like a great dinner!
jenna
Vanessa (Last Night's Leftovers) — November 23, 2009 @ 8:17 pm
Those cheese straws sound amazing!
Susan (All Things In Moderation) — November 23, 2009 @ 8:18 pm
At least your not in bed by 7pm most week nights ! That’s me, talk about acting like an old lady ! Oh , wait a minute ……… I am an old lady ! (45 !!!!!)
Kasondra — November 23, 2009 @ 8:23 pm
Love the lunch, It looks similar to some that I make!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg — November 23, 2009 @ 8:29 pm
Ha, oh man…I am the ultimate 27 year-old old woman. I think it kind of annoys my husband.
And, I gotta say– you seem to do a LOT of fun stuff!! You don’t seem like an old lady at all!
Cheese straws always remind me of Christmas– I have a friend who makes homemade cheese straws and gives them as gifts every year…they are to die for.
I love Ellen– she was cracking me up with the Oprah project. I also like her because she’s so FUNNY, but she’s not just a total goofball all the time, you know? She kind of surprised me during the Oprah show, because she wasn’t afraid to be serious about certain things (her marriage, etc.). Love her.
Estela @ Weekly Bite — November 23, 2009 @ 8:31 pm
I love the old blog posts!!
Thanks for the heads up on Open Sky!
Have a great evening!
Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama — November 23, 2009 @ 8:46 pm
marinara sauce on veggies… what a concept! DUH! I have not even thought of this before but it looks great!
Janna — November 23, 2009 @ 8:46 pm
I’m only 23 and I too am such an old lady. I love nothing more than staying in on a sat with some good food and a good movie
Those cheese straws look so good! I want them!
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) — November 23, 2009 @ 8:56 pm
I embrace my old lady-ness with my love of prunes and a best friend named agnes. however, on most nights of the week I don’t eat dinner till 9pm! Eek…even though I leave the office late, I need to figure out a way to eat earlier – I’m usually famished by that time.
Shannon (The Daily Balance) — November 23, 2009 @ 9:00 pm
I am seriously an 80-year-old in a 25 year-old body, so trust me, I feel ya, girl!
Erin — November 23, 2009 @ 9:01 pm
Yum, sometimes a big bowl of greens sounds perfect for dinner!
Erin — November 23, 2009 @ 9:05 pm
So fun! I love seeing what people love to buy/have/own. I’m definitely in the market for a Powershot!
Katie — November 23, 2009 @ 9:14 pm
Yum that bowl of dinner looks amazing. I’m 19 and go to bed early and get up earlier. I never go out so don’t feel bad. I think it comes w/ being healthy. Gotta get up early for the classes/runs!
brandi — November 23, 2009 @ 9:29 pm
If you’re old, I must be ancient! We rarely go out, especially at night, but I don’t like in a big city like Boston, either
Michael — November 23, 2009 @ 9:39 pm
OMG!! My favorite breakfast is FAGE brand 0% Greek yogurt with honey drizzled on top! Yummy! Granola mixed in adds to the awesomeness.
Haleigh — November 23, 2009 @ 9:40 pm
Those cheese straws look light, cheesy and super addicting! I am only 21 and my family thinks I am a complete homebody because I don’t go out much. I just feel like I have wasted an entire day sleeping when I go out at night. Not that I don’t enjoy a night on the town… just not so often. I hope you have a relaxing Monday evening.
Kara — November 23, 2009 @ 9:40 pm
Great stuff in your store — I especially love the Thomas Paul products!
I try not to be an old lady (I’m 26) and stay up late on work nights, but I always pay for it the next day!
Kristie Lynn — November 23, 2009 @ 9:44 pm
Yeah, I definitely feel like I’m ready for the early bird specials when I’m ready for (not in) bed at 8pm and wake up naturally at 6. The hubby thinks I am nuts – he can still sleep in until 2pm if I let him
Sarah — November 23, 2009 @ 10:06 pm
My best friend calls me EBS for early bird special, ha ha! I am early to rise and early to bed, dinner is usually at 6 most nights
Glad I’m not the only one!
Christina — November 23, 2009 @ 10:09 pm
I’m only 22 and I spent most of my college nights curled up with my boyfriend watching movies because I’m such a homebody already. Those cheese straws look amazing. I love cheese anything hehe
Jess (What's Normal, Anyways?) — November 23, 2009 @ 10:11 pm
oh girl…I’m 23 and the last 3 weekends have gone to bed by 9:30pm or earlier on Saturday night. I’m a teacher though, so I just crash on the weekends.
I love reading your blog, because I’m always learning about cool new things, like Open Sky. I had no idea personalized online consignment stores even existed. Good luck with yours, Tina!
Lesley Lifting Life — November 23, 2009 @ 10:15 pm
Ha, that description at the beginning of this post definitely described me to a T so I must be an “old lady” too!
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — November 23, 2009 @ 10:31 pm
i’m such an old lady too….i used to be such a party animal though, so i don’t feel like i missed out!
ashleigh — November 23, 2009 @ 10:37 pm
Those cheese straws look so incredibly good! Congrats on opening your Open Sky store!!
I have noticed that since i started eating healthier, exercising more and drinking a lot less that I go to bed sooo much earlier. It’s tough for me to stay up past 11 and I NEVER sleep in anymore!
Allison — November 23, 2009 @ 10:42 pm
I make that same broccoli dinner ALL THE TIME! Being in college it’s such a quick, easy, and nutritious meal
Carly — November 23, 2009 @ 10:46 pm
What does Mal teach? I had parent teacher conferences tonight too and left my husband to fend for himself
Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) — November 23, 2009 @ 10:53 pm
I am quite familiar with the early bird special. My girlfriends and I call ourselves, “The Blue hairs” because it seems we’re always out with the seniors.
It seems like you are getting involved with different things everyday. How do you juggle your life without constantly being overwhelmed? Congrats on Open Sky.
Kara — November 23, 2009 @ 11:50 pm
Haha I remember reading the post when you met Demitri! I was soooo jealous!!!
Madelin @ What is for breakfast? — November 24, 2009 @ 12:03 am
I love cheese straws too! Exciting news about your shop
Ameena — November 24, 2009 @ 12:08 am
Sometimes I also feel like I am 100 years old because I fall asleep at 9:30pm!
Deirdre — November 24, 2009 @ 12:14 am
Can’t wait to check out your Open Sky store! And there is nothing wrong with going to bed early or eating early sometimes. We all do it!
Lisa — November 24, 2009 @ 12:14 am
haha I can totally relate with the ‘early nights’!! My friday night now consists of dvds and couch time! Boy have the times changed
EatingRD — November 24, 2009 @ 12:24 am
I think your pictures are gorgeous too! It’s most likely not your camera but the lighting. I have an SLR and no matter what I do, when that glorious sunlight goes down I can’t get good pics inside either. I need to research some flashes?
I’m a early to bed early to rise person too and I’m only 24! That’s the best sometimes
Wow, what a great idea! I’ll have to check it out.
Jessica @ Dairy Free Betty — November 24, 2009 @ 1:27 am
Just wondering is the open sky free shipping available to us Canadian folk. Cool idea and congrats!!
Taylor — November 24, 2009 @ 2:08 am
tina,i LOVE your blog!!!you have inspired me to start my own blog!!i know your super busy but if you have time could you read it???here’s the link… http://thisisme-thisistaylor.blogspot.com/ ,if you know anyone in this situation please pass it onto them!!
ellen eats beets — November 24, 2009 @ 2:39 am
Steamed broc and tomato sauce is one of my favorite dinners!
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) — November 24, 2009 @ 8:04 am
I totally hear ya on the old-lady front, and I’m 24! The other day I had my friend over, answering the door in house slippers and a robe (while boiling a pot of water for tea) and she took one look at me, laughed, then proclaimed, “You’re 80!”
I love the supergreen dinner, I always feel better if I’m eating a veggie rich dinner. I would have never thought of adding tomato sauce to broccoli, I’ll have to try it sometime!
Shannon — November 24, 2009 @ 8:21 am
I eat really early too. I am always hungry at 5, but will have a little snack so I can last until my husband gets home at 6.
amanda — November 24, 2009 @ 9:06 am
Those cheese straws did look pretty yummy! I will have to keep my eye out for them. Also your dinner of broccoli w/ leftovers looked extremely yummy! It looked like a great combo that would be super filling…which is a plus in my book!
Rachel @ Shedding It — November 24, 2009 @ 9:41 am
ohh OpenSky looks so cool! I am going to have to check that out!!
Beth @ DiningAndDishing — November 24, 2009 @ 9:47 am
Those cheese straws do sound good!! Probably a very good thing that I don’t have a box lying around my house!
And I totally know what you mean about feeling like an old lady. When did this creep up!? After one night out, I am beat for the week. haha :O).
Tina — November 24, 2009 @ 9:57 am
@Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore): It’s not easy! I rarely stop moving!
Amanda@lessonsinmoderation — November 24, 2009 @ 11:01 am
This post made me LOL because I totally get razzed by my husband, friends and co-workers for behaving like a little old lady when I’m only 27. I can’t help it….I need my sleep if I’m going to get up early in the morning…Dinner at 5:00 p.m. Delightful!!!
Tina — November 24, 2009 @ 11:29 am
I love the open sky store! I’ll need to check it out soon.
I’m totally the opposite with the early-bird thing though! I don’t like eating dinner til 6:30 or 7. 5 seems wayyy early for me!
The Healthy Apple — November 24, 2009 @ 11:50 am
Yea for Open Sky; we’re both new shopkeepers! Very exciting….
Heather — November 24, 2009 @ 12:30 pm
I love that griddler you use and saw it on OpenSky, but I think there is a problem. I think the price advertised is for the GR1 and you have the GR4. I went to read reviews on Amazon and found the difference. Either way, it looks like a great machine! Just making a note.
Sarah — November 24, 2009 @ 1:38 pm
I’m seriously intrigued by OpenSky- really need to check it out!
Don’t say you’re an old lady! Ray and I like to say, ‘we spend our teens and twenties out at parties and bars searching for the person who we can sit at home on the couch with for the rest of our lives.’ We love to be social but are happiest in our pjs at home together. It’s what you work for, right? To have a nice place to come home to. What’s the point if you never do?